Attachment for excavator

ABSTRACT

An excavator attachment ( 1 ) for an excavator, comprising (i) a bucket portion ( 3 ) for receiving excavated material or a scoop portion for collecting excavated material and (ii) a cutter device ( 4 ) capable of cutting and excavating rock, wherein the cutter device comprises a rotary cutter ( 5 ) of elongate configuration having a proximal end ( 6 ) associated with the bucket portion (or the scoop portion) and a distal end ( 7 ) remote from the bucket portion (or the scoop portion) and is so arranged that, in use, the orientation of the elongate rotary cutter relative to the bucket portion (or scoop portion) is fixed.

The present invention relates to an attachment for an excavator.

Many excavator arrangements are known which use both a bucket and acutter, such as those described in JP2000336689, JP2000273896, JP9088354and JP1207507.

The attachment of the present invention provides an alternative and insome respects an improved cutter to those of the prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an excavator attachment for an excavator, the attachmentcomprising (i) a bucket portion for receiving excavated material or ascoop portion for collecting excavated material, and (ii) a cutterdevice capable of cutting and excavating rock, wherein the cutter devicecomprises a rotary cutter of elongate configuration having a proximalend associated with the bucket portion or scoop portion, and a distalend remote from the bucket portion or scoop portion and is so arrangedthat, in use, the orientation of the elongate rotary cutter relative tothe bucket portion or scoop portion is fixed.

The terms “cutter” and “cutting” include within their meaning boring,scraping and other means of removing rock or the like from a substrate.

The term “rock” is taken to include non-mineral substrates of arelatively hard nature, such as coal, and relatively hard man-madesubstrates, such as tarmac and concrete.

In use, the orientation of the elongate rotary cutter relative to thebucket portion or scoop portion is fixed. Certain parts of the elongaterotary cutter may move (such as any cutting teeth or the like). Therotary cutter may be removed, for example, from the rest of theattachment in order to replace, service, repair or renovate the rotarycutter. The orientation of the elongate rotary cutter relative to thebucket portion or scoop portion may not be changed in use, for example,as shown in JP2000336689. The attachment itself may, of course, be movedduring use.

It will therefore be appreciated that, in use, the position (and notmerely the orientation) of the elongate rotary cutter relative to thebucket portion or scoop portion is preferably fixed.

The attachment may comprise a connecting portion for pivotal connectionto an excavator. The connecting portion may be located between thebucket or scoop portion and the elongate rotary cutter. The connectingportion may be provided with an aperture for receipt of a pin.

Where a scoop portion is used, the scoop portion may be formed with arear wall and two side walls, the two side walls projecting from therear wall. This forms a scoop that is capable of moving excavatedmaterial, but not capable of picking it up. The side walls assist in thegathering of excavated material.

Where a scoop portion is used, the scoop portion may act like a shovelfor moving excavated material along the ground.

It is preferred that the elongate rotary cutter comprises a multiplicityof cutting elements. It is further preferred that the cutter elementsare rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the elongate rotary cutter.The elongate rotary cutter may comprise one or more outer members whichis rotatable with respect to an inner member. The elongate rotary cuttermay comprise a plurality of outer members. Each cutter element may beassociated with one of the one or more outer members. The outer membersmay have an annular shape. Alternatively, the cutter elements may beassociated with a rotatable, substantially rigid cylindrical cutterbody. The cutter elements may be attached to, or integral with, thecutter body. It is preferred that cutter elements project substantiallylaterally or radially. The cutter elements are typically in the form ofpicks suitable for rock cutting. Such picks may have a steel body with atungsten carbide or other ceramic cutting tip. Such picks may have asteel cutting tip if being used to cut coal, for example.

It is preferred that the attachment is a substantially lineararrangement.

The cutter device may be provided with a motor or the like for drivingelongate rotary cutter. The motor may be hydraulic.

The attachment may comprise a body providing the bucket (or scoop)portion and a receiving portion for the receipt of the cutter device,wherein the cutter device is received by the receiving portion of thebody.

The body may be integrally formed i.e. it may be provided insubstantially one piece. The body is preferably formed, however, bywelding together several pre-cast pieces.

The receiving portion is preferably arranged so that the distal end isremote from the bucket portion or scoop portion. The receiving portionmay be in the form of an aperture or recess in the body.

If the attachment is provided with a connecting portion for pivotalconnection to an arm of an excavator, the connection between theexcavator and the connecting portion, in use, providing a first axis ofrotation of the elongate rotary cutter and the bucket portion (or scoopportion), the attachment may be provided with one or more componentsthat, in use, facilitates rotation of the elongate rotary cutter and thebucket portion (or scoop portion) about a second rotational axis, thesecond rotational axis being angled with respect to the first axis ofrotation. “Angled” means that the said axes are not parallel to oneanother. It is preferred that the angle between the first axis ofrotation and the second rotational axis is from 45 to 135 degrees (morepreferably from 60 to 120 degrees and further more preferably from 80 to110 degrees).

It is further preferred that the angle between the second rotationalaxis and the longitudinal axis of the elongate rotary cutter is from 45to 135 degrees (more preferably from 60 to 120 degrees and further morepreferably from 80 to 100 degrees).

It has been found that the presence of such an axis of rotation enablesthe top (as opposed to the side) of the elongate rotary cutter to bepresented to a substrate. This provides better performance; it was foundthat if the side of a cutter was presented to the substrate to be cutthen the cutter and associated excavator tended to bounce. Furthermore,the size of the pieces of rock and coal removed from the substrate waslower than desired. Such an arrangement allows the cutter to be movedinto many operating (i.e. cutting) positions by rotation about thesecond rotational axis.

It is preferred that said one or more components facilitates rotation ofthe elongate rotary cutter and the bucket portion (or scoop portion)through at least 300 degrees (preferably through at least 340 degreesand more preferably through at least 360 degrees) about said secondrotational axis.

The one or more components may comprise a motor for rotating theelongate rotary cutter and the bucket or scoop portion about said secondrotational axis. The attachment may not be provided with a motor forrotating the elongate rotary cutter and the bucket or scoop portionabout said second rotational axis, instead being provided with a bearing(such as a roller bearing) and/or an attachment means for attachment toa motor facilitating the rotation of the elongate rotary cutter and thebucket or scoop portion about said second rotational axis.

It is preferred that said one or more components facilitates the fixingof the rotational position of the elongate rotary cutter and the bucketor scoop portion about said second rotational axis.

The attachment may be provided with one or more mountings for theplacement of water cannon. The attachment may be provided with one ormore water cannon. The water cannon may facilitate the suppression ofdust around the cutter. Furthermore, the spray of water droplets oftenproduced by such water cannon also comprises high pressure air whichhelps remove potentially dangerous gases (such as methane) from theregion around the cutter. It is preferred that the one or more watercannon is operable to provide water onto the distal end of the cutter.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there isprovided a excavator attachment for an excavator, the attachmentcomprising (i) a bucket portion for receiving excavated material or ascoop portion for collecting excavated material and (ii) a cutter devicecapable of cutting and excavating rock, wherein the cutter devicecomprises a rotary cutter of elongate configuration having amultiplicity of cutter elements, the elongate rotary cutter having aproximal end associated with the bucket portion (or scoop portion) and adistal end remote from the bucket portion (or scoop portion).

It is preferred that the orientation of the elongate cutter devicerelative to the bucket portion or scoop portion is, in use, fixed.

The elongate rotary cutter may comprise one or more outer members whichis rotatable with respect to an inner member. The elongate rotary cuttermay comprise a plurality of outer members. Each cutter element may beassociated with one of the one or more outer members. The outer membersmay have an annular shape. Alternatively, the cutter elements may beassociated with a rotatable, substantially rigid cylindrical cutterbody. The cutter elements may be attached to, or integral with, thecutter body. It is preferred that cutter elements project substantiallylaterally or radially.

The attachment may comprise a body providing the bucket portion (orscoop portion) and a receiving portion for the receipt of the cutterdevice, wherein the cutter device is received by the receiving portionof the body.

The receiving portion may be in the form of an aperture or recess in thebody.

The receiving portion is preferably arranged so that the distal end ofthe elongate rotary cutter is remote from the bucket portion or scoopportion.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there isprovided an excavator attachment for an excavator, the attachmentcomprising

(i) a cutter device capable of cutting and excavating rock, wherein thecutter device comprises a rotary cutter of elongate configurationcapable of cutting and excavating rock, and

(ii) a body providing a bucket or scoop portion for the collection ofexcavated material, and a receiving portion for the receipt of thecutter device

wherein the cutter device is received by the receiving portion of thebody.

The receiving portion may be in the form of an aperture or recess in thebody.

The body may be integrally formed i.e. it is provided in substantiallyone piece. Alternatively, the body may be formed by welding togetherseveral pre-formed or cast pieces.

The receiving portion is preferably arranged so that the distal end ofthe elongate rotary cutter is remote from the bucket or scoop portionand the proximal end is associated with the bucket or scoop portion.

It is preferred that the orientation of the elongate cutter devicerelative to the bucket or scoop portion is, in use, fixed.

It is preferred that the elongate rotary cutter has a multiplicity ofcutter elements.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an excavator attachment for an excavator, the attachmentcomprising a first functional tool and a second functional tool, thefirst functional tool having a proximal portion associated with thesecond functional tool and a distal portion forming a first end of theattachment,

the second functional tool having a proximal portion associated with thefirst functional tool and a distal portion forming a second end of theattachment,

the attachment being provided with a connecting portion for pivotalconnection to an elongate arm of an excavator, the connection betweenthe excavator and the connecting portion, in use, providing a first axisof rotation of the first and second functional tools, the attachmentbeing further provided with one or more components that facilitaterotation of the first and second tools about a second rotational axis,the first axis of rotation being angled with respect to the secondrotational axis. “Angled” means that the said axes are not parallel toone another.

The angle between the first axis of rotation and the second rotationalaxis may be from 45 to 135 degrees, preferably from 60 to 120 degreesand more preferably from 80 to 100 degrees.

The angle between the second rotational axis and the longitudinal axisof the attachment may be from 45 to 135 degrees, preferably from 60 to120 degrees and more preferably from 80 to 100 degrees.

Such an arrangement is effective in producing an attachment that may bemoved to many orientations.

It is preferred that said component facilitates rotation of the firstand second functional attachment parts through at least 300 degrees(preferably through at least 340 degrees and more preferably through atleast 360 degrees) about said second rotational axis.

The one or more components may comprise a motor for rotating the firstand second functional attachment parts about said second rotationalaxis. The attachment may not be provided with a motor for rotating thefirst and second functional attachment parts about said secondrotational axis, instead being provided with a bearing (such as a rollerbearing) and/or an attachment means for attachment to a motorfacilitating the rotation of the first and second functional attachmentparts.

It is preferred that the said one or more components facilitates thefixing of the rotational position of the first and second functionalattachment parts about said second rotational axis.

It is preferred that one of the first and second functional toolscomprises an excavating tool, such as a cutter (preferably an elongaterotary cutter), but may be a hammer or the like.

The second functional attachment part may be in the form of anotherexcavating head, a bucket portion, a scoop for the collection ofexcavated material, a grab, a ripper, a stump splitter or a thumb.

It is preferred that the attachment is arranged so that, in use, theorientation of the first functional attachment part relative to thesecond functional attachment part is fixed.

The attachments of the second, third and fourth aspects of the presentinvention may comprise those features described above in relation to theattachment of the first aspect of the present invention.

For example, the cutter device may comprise a motor for powering thecutter portion. It is preferred that such a motor is located within arecess which is provided as part of the receiving portion of the body.

For the cutters of the first, second, third and fourth aspects of thepresent invention, it is preferred that the orientation of the elongaterotary cutter relative to the bucket portion (or scoop portion) is suchthat the excavator attachment can, in use, be positioned selectively infirst and second operational positions, the first operational positionpermitting the cutting and excavation of rock by the elongate rotarycutter whilst the bucket or scoop portion is in a non-operationalorientation and the second operational position permitting thecollection of excavated material by the bucket or scoop portion whilstthe elongate rotary cutter is in a non-operational orientation. This maybe achieved, for example, by rotation about a pivotal axis provided byconnection of the attachment to an arm of an excavator.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an excavator comprising an attachment in accordance with thefirst, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention, theattachment being pivotally connected to an arm of the excavator. Theconnection between the excavator and the attachment may, in use, providea first axis of rotation of the attachment, the attachment further beingprovided with a component that facilitates rotation of the attachmentabout a second rotational axis, the angle between the first axis ofrotation and the second rotational axis being from 45 to 135 degrees(preferably from 60 to 120 degrees and more preferably from 80 to 110degrees). It is preferred that the arm of the excavator is elongate. Theexcavator may be provided with a component or components (such as a bushand motor) for rotating the attachment about the second rotational axis.

The angle between the first axis of rotation and the second rotationalaxis may preferably be from 60 to 120 degrees and more preferably from80 to 100 degrees.

The angle between the second rotational axis and the longitudinal axisof the elongate excavator arm may preferably be from 60 to 120 degreesand more preferably from 80 to 100 degrees.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of excavation of material from a substrate, comprising

-   -   (i) providing an excavator having an excavating attachment        comprising (a) a bucket portion for receiving excavated material        or a scoop portion for collecting excavated material and (b) a        cutter device comprising a rotary cutter of elongate        configuration    -   (ii) using the elongate rotary cutter in a first operational        position to cut material from a substrate    -   (iii) moving the attachment from the first operational position        to a second operational position, and    -   (iv) collecting excavated material in the bucket portion or        collecting excavated material using the scoop portion (if a        scoop portion is present).

In the first operational position, it is preferred that the bucketportion or scoop portion is in a non-operational orientation. In thesecond operational position, it is preferred that the elongate rotarycutter is in a non-operational orientation.

The material is preferably rock, and it is therefore preferred that thecutter device is capable of cutting and excavating rock.

It is preferred that, in use, the orientation of the elongate rotarycutter relative to the bucket portion or scoop portion is fixed.

The attachment may be an attachment in accordance with the first,second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention.

The attachment and excavator of the present invention will now bedescribed by way of example only with reference to the following Figuresof which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side-on view of an embodiment of an attachmentaccording to the first, second and third aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows the attachment of FIG. 1 in first and second operatingpositions when attached to the arm of an excavator;

FIG. 3 shows several alternative embodiments of attachments according tothe present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of an attachment accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows the attachment of FIG. 4 in different operating positions;

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of an attachment in accordancewith the present invention, the attachment comprising four water cannon;and

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an attachment in accordancewith the present invention, the attachment comprising a scoop for thecollection of excavated material.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an excavator attachment (shown generallyby reference numeral 1) in accordance with the first, second and thirdaspects of the present invention. The attachment 1 comprises a bucketportion 3 for receiving excavated material and a cutter device 4 capableof cutting and excavating rock, wherein the cutter device 4 comprises arotary cutter 5 of elongate configuration. The elongate rotary cutter 5has a proximal end 6 associated with the bucket portion 3 and a distalend 7 remote from the bucket portion. The attachment is so arrangedthat, in use, the orientation of the elongate rotary cutter 5 relativeto the bucket portion 3 is fixed.

The attachment 1 comprises an integrally-formed body 8 providing thebucket portion 3 and a receiving portion 9 for the receipt of the cutterdevice 4, wherein the cutter device 4 is received by the receivingportion 9 of the body 8.

The body 8 is formed by casting and provides a substantially cylindricalrecess (shown as broken line 17) defined by receiving portion 9 for thereceipt of the cutter device 4. The cutter device 4 is provided with ahydraulic motor 10 which drives the rotary cutter 5. Hydraulic fluid isprovided to the motor 10 by a conduit (not shown).

The elongate rotary cutter 5 is generally cylindrical in shape andcomprises a one-piece cylindrical body to which is attached amultiplicity of cutting members 12. The hydraulic motor 10 causes thecylindrical body to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rotarycutter. These cutting members project radially from the body.

The attachment is provided with a connecting portion 13 for pivotalattachment to an arm of an excavator. The connecting portion issubstantially between the elongate rotary cutter 5 and the bucketportion 3. Such a geometry is effective in facilitating the operation ofboth the bucket portion and the rotary cutter. Referring to FIGS. 1 and2, the connecting portion 13 comprises an aperture 15 for pivotalconnection to the arm 2 of the excavator by a pin or the like (notshown). The attachment 1 pivots about the rotational axis provided bythe pin under the influence of a hydraulic piston 16 provided as part ofthe excavator. The connecting portion 13 of the attachment 1 alsoprovides an aperture for connection to the hydraulic piston 16.

The operation of the attachment is now discussed with reference to FIG.2. The hydraulic piston is activated so as to move the attachment into afirst operating position (FIG. 2 a). In this position, the elongaterotary cutter 5 is presented in a generally forward position and may beurged onto a rock face or the like to cut and remove rock therefrom. Inthis first operating position, the bucket portion 3 is in anon-operating orientation. Once the desired cutting operations have beencompleted, the hydraulic piston 16 is activated to move the attachmentinto a second operating position (see FIG. 2 b). The attachment rotatesabout the axis provided by aperture 14, tilting the rotary cutter 5generally in a rearward direction, and moving the bucket portion 3 in agenerally forward direction. In this second operating position, thebucket portion 3 may be presented to the ground to collect rock 20 thathas been removed from the rock face. The hydraulic piston 16 isactivated to rotate the attachment, the bucket portion 3 moving in agenerally rearward direction towards the excavator to scoop-up the rock20.

FIG. 2 shows hydraulic piston 16 below arm 2. The piston may be, ofcourse, above arm 2.

The attachment 1 is substantially linear i.e. substantially straight.Several alternative embodiments of attachments according to the presentinvention are shown in FIG. 3. The reference numerals used in FIG. 3correspond to those used above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 3 aand 3 b show non-linear attachments. Such geometries may be desirableif, for example, the geometry of the bucket portion 3 restrictsrotational movement of the attachment, or if a particular drilling orcutting angle is required that is not so easily obtained using a linearattachment. The attachment of FIG. 3 c comprises a rotary cutter 5 thathas several ring-shaped outer collars 21 a, b, c, d, e that surround aninner member 22 (shown in broken lines). The outer collars are, in use,rotated relative to the inner member to produce a cutting action.

A further alternative embodiment of an attachment in accordance with thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows an excavatorattachment (shown generally by reference numeral 101) in accordance withthe first, second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention.The attachment 101 comprises a bucket portion 103 for receivingexcavated material and a cutter device 104 capable of cutting andexcavating rock, wherein the cutter device 104 comprises a rotary cutter105 of elongate configuration. The elongate rotary cutter 105 has aproximal end 106 associated with the bucket portion 103 and a distal end107 remote from the bucket portion. The attachment is so arranged that,in use, the orientation of the elongate rotary cutter 105 relative tothe bucket portion 103 is fixed.

The attachment 101 comprises a body 108 providing the bucket portion 103and a receiving portion 109 for the receipt of the cutter device 104,wherein the cutter device 104 is received by the receiving portion 109of the body 108. The body is made by welding several sub-sectionstogether.

The body 108 provides a substantially cylindrical recess (shown asbroken line 117) defined by receiving portion 109 for the receipt of thecutter device 104. The cutter device 104 is provided with a hydraulicmotor 10 which drives the rotary cutter 105. Hydraulic fluid is providedto the motor 110 by a conduit (not shown). Cutter device 104 is attachedto the body 108 by a flange arrangement 113.

The elongate rotary cutter 105 is generally cylindrical in shape andcomprises a one-piece cylindrical body to which is attached amultiplicity of cutting members 112. The hydraulic motor 110 causes thecylindrical body to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rotarycutter. These cutting members project radially from the body.

The attachment is provided with a connecting portion 113 for pivotalattachment to an arm of an excavator. The connecting portion issubstantially between the elongate rotary cutter 105 and the bucketportion 103. Such a geometry is effective in facilitating the operationof both the bucket portion and the rotary cutter. Referring to FIGS. 1and 2, the connecting portion 113 comprises an aperture (not shown) forpivotal connection to the arm 102 of the excavator by a pin 130. Theattachment 101 pivots about the rotational axis provided by the pinunder the influence of a hydraulic piston 132 provided as part of theexcavator. The connecting portion 113 of the attachment 101 is alsopivotally connected via pin 131 to the hydraulic piston 132.

The attachment 101 also comprises a component (in this case a motor andspindle arrangement shown by reference numeral 134) that facilitatesrotation of the elongate rotary cutter and the bucket portion about asecond rotational axis, the angle between the first axis of rotation(i.e. the axis of rotation provided by the connection between the arm ofthe excavator and the connecting portion of the attachment) and thesecond rotational axis being about 90 degrees, and the angle between thesecond rotational axis and the longitudinal axis of the elongate rotarycutter being about 90 degrees. Referring to FIG. 4, the longitudinalaxis of the elongate rotary cutter is in the plane of the paper and isindicated by “L”. The axis of rotation provided by the connectionbetween the arm of the excavator and the connecting portion of theattachment is normal to the plane of the Figure. The second rotationalaxis for rotation of the elongate rotary cutter and the bucket portionis in the plane of the paper, and is indicated by “P”. Such anarrangement of first and second rotational axes is extremely effectivein facilitating the movement of the cutter and bucket into a largenumber of operating positions, and is now discussed with reference toFIG. 5.

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d provide end-on views of the attachment of FIG. 4 infour operating positions in relation to a chamber having a left wall(G), a right wall (R) and a floor (B). Movement between the fourpositions may be achieved by rotation about the second rotational axis(labeled “P” in FIG. 4). In FIG. 5 a, bucket 103 is in position toremove rock that has been cut and fallen onto the floor (B). In FIGS. 5b and 5 d, the elongate cutter 105 is brought into contact with theright wall (R) and left wall (G) respectively, thus cutting rock fromthat wall for subsequent collection by the bucket 103. In FIGS. 5 b and5 d, the end of the elongate cutter is brought into cutting contact withthe wall. This is extremely beneficial because good sized pieces of rockmay be removed from the wall in this way. If the attachment cannot berotated about the second rotational axis, then cutting of the wall mayonly be achieved by presenting the side of the cutter 105 against thewall. This results in the cutter bouncing off the wall during thecutting operation which produces small pieces of rock which is notdesired. In FIG. 5 c, the end of the elongate cutter is brought intocutting contact with the floor (B).

The attachment 101 may also be pivoted about the first axis of rotation(i.e. the axis of rotation provided by the connection between the arm ofthe excavator and the connecting portion of the attachment) much asdescribed in relation to attachment 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, inorder to present the end of the cutter to a wall directly in front ofthe excavator.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the bucket and cutter may berotated into a large number of operating positions (far greater thanfour) about second rotational axis “P”.

A further embodiment of an attachment in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 6. The attachment (shown generally byreference numeral 201) comprises a bucket portion 3 for receivingexcavated material and a cutter device capable of cutting and excavatingrock, wherein the cutter device comprises a rotary cutter 5 of elongateconfiguration. The elongate rotary cutter 5 has a proximal endassociated with the bucket portion 3 and a distal end 7 remote from thebucket portion. The bucket portion 3 and rotary cutter 5 aresubstantially as described above with reference to FIG. 1.

The attachment is provided with four water cannon (only three of whichare shown by reference numerals 202 a, 202 b and 202 c). The watercannon are commercially available from Minnovation Limited (Wakefield,UK). The water cannons are provided with water via hoses (not shown). Inoperation, a high pressure water spray is emitted by each water cannon.The central portion of the spray is aimed at the distal end 7 which isalso the most frequently used cutting part of the cutter 5. The waterspray comprises water droplets which help to suppress dust and air whichhelps to purge any methane or other potentially dangerous gas from theregion around the cutter.

A further embodiment of an attachment in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 7. The attachment (shown generally byreference numeral 301) comprises a scoop portion 303 for collectingexcavated material and a cutter device capable of cutting and excavatingrock, wherein the cutter device comprises a rotary cutter 5 of elongateconfiguration. The elongate rotary cutter 5 has a proximal endassociated with the scoop portion 303 and a distal end 7 remote from thescoop portion. The rotary cutter 5 is substantially as described abovewith reference to FIG. 1. The scoop 303 is used to collect excavatedmaterial, for example, in order to move that material to a conveyor. Thescoop portion 303 comprises a rear face 304 from which extends two sidewalls 305, 306. The side walls assist in retaining excavated material ina region to be scooped when the scoop is used. In the present case, thescoop portion acts like a shovel, moving excavated material along theground. The attachment is further provided with a motor (not shown)located in drive compartment 307, the motor being for powering therotary cutter.

1. An excavator attachment for an excavator, the attachment comprising(i) a bucket portion for receiving excavated material or a scoop portionfor collecting excavated material, and (ii) a cutter device capable ofcutting and excavating rock, wherein the cutter device comprises arotary cutter of elongate configuration having a proximal end associatedwith the bucket portion or scoop portion, and a distal end remote fromthe bucket portion or scoop portion, and is so arranged that, in use,the orientation of the elongate rotary cutter relative to the bucketportion or scoop portion is fixed.
 2. An attachment according to claim 1wherein the orientation of the elongate rotary cutter relative to thebucket portion or scoop portion is such that the excavator attachmentcan, in use, be positioned selectively in first and second operationalpositions, the first operational position permitting the cutting andexcavation of rock by the elongate rotary cutter whilst the bucketportion or scoop portion is in a non-operational orientation and thesecond operational position permitting the collection of excavatedmaterial by the bucket or scoop portion whilst the elongate rotarycutter is in a non-operational orientation.
 3. An attachment accordingto claim 1 comprising a connecting portion for pivotal connection to anexcavator.
 4. An attachment according to claim 3 wherein the connectionbetween the excavator and the connecting portion, in use, provides afirst axis of rotation of the elongate rotary cutter and the bucketportion (or scoop portion), wherein the attachment is further providedwith one or more components that, in use, facilitates rotation of theelongate rotary cutter and the bucket portion (or scoop portion) about asecond rotational axis, the first axis of rotation being angled withrespect to the second rotational axis.
 5. An attachment according toclaim 4 wherein the angle between the first axis of rotation and thesecond rotational axis being from 45 to 135 degrees and the anglebetween the second rotational axis and the longitudinal axis of theelongate rotary cutter being from 45 to 135 degrees. 6-7. (canceled) 8.An attachment according to claim 4, wherein said one or more componentsfacilitates rotation of the elongate rotary cutter and the bucketportion (or scoop portion) through at least 300 degrees about saidsecond rotational axis.
 9. (canceled)
 10. An attachment according toclaim 1, wherein, in use, the position of the elongate rotary cutterrelative to the bucket portion (or scoop portion) is fixed.
 11. Anattachment according to claim 1, wherein the elongate rotary cuttercomprises a multiplicity of cutting elements, wherein the cutterelements are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the elongaterotary cutter.
 12. An attachment according to claim 11 wherein theelongate rotary cutter comprises a plurality of outer members which arerotatable with respect to an inner member, each cutter element beingassociated with one of the outer members.
 13. (canceled)
 14. Anattachment according to claim 11 wherein the cutter elements areassociated with a rotatable, substantially rigid cylindrical cutterbody. 15-16. (canceled)
 17. An attachment according to claim 1 whereinthe attachment is a substantially linear arrangement
 18. (canceled) 19.An attachment according to claim 1 wherein the attachment comprises abody providing the bucket portion (or scoop portion) and a receivingportion for the receipt of the cutter device, wherein the cutter deviceis received by the receiving portion of the body.
 20. (canceled)
 21. Anattachment according to claim 1, wherein the attachment is provided withone or more mountings for the placement of water cannon. 22-23.(canceled)
 24. An excavator attachment for an excavator, the attachmentcomprising (i) a bucket portion for receiving excavated material or ascoop portion for collecting excavated material and (ii) a cutter devicecapable of cutting and excavating rock, wherein the cutter devicecomprises a rotary cutter of elongate configuration having amultiplicity of cutter elements, the elongate rotary cutter having aproximal end associated with the bucket portion (or scoop portion) and adistal end remote from the bucket portion (or scoop portion) wherein theorientation of the elongate rotary cutter relative to the bucket (orscoop) portion is, in use, fixed. 25-34. (canceled)
 35. An attachmentfor an excavator, the attachment comprising a first functional tool anda second functional tool, the first functional tool having a proximalportion associated with the second functional tool and a distal portionforming a first end of the attachment, the second functional tool havinga proximal portion associated with the first functional tool and adistal portion forming a second end of the attachment, the attachmentbeing provided with a connecting portion for pivotal connection to anelongate arm of an excavator, the connection between the excavator andthe connecting portion, in use, providing a first axis of rotation ofthe first and second functional tools, the attachment being furtherprovided with one or more components that facilitate rotation of thefirst and second tools about a second rotational axis, the first axis ofrotation being angled with respect to the second rotational axis. 36-39.(canceled)